Body Butter Haul: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins (Review)

My latest haul of beauty products was of body butters from three of the leading skincare names out there: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins.

Although I'm a bit of a crazy Sakare fan (I probably have all of their products at home) I do like to shop around and keep on top of all the latest and best products on the market.

I decided to compare body butters as they are an everyday beauty staple for most women (and some men) and finding the right one can be tricky. Here's what I thought:

Soap&Glory - THE RIGHTEOUS BUTTER

A popular choice among younger girls due to the Original Pink fragrance that Soap&Glory are known for. Moisturising and not too difficult to rub in, this one is a foolproof choice. Price is very purse-friendly too. Does the job but don't expect anything more.

Sakare - ENRICHING SHEA BUTTER

If you suffer from dry skin then look no further, this is your remedy. This is the highest concentration of real butter extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree you will find in any body butter out there. Full of proteins to help nourish and repair damaged skin. Great alternative to medicated creams or for those problem areas that everyone suffers from. Not as easy on the purse-friendly aspect but you really do get what you pay for with this one...it's quality stuff.

Origins - GINGER SOUFFLE WHIPPED BODY CREAM

The mixture of oils involved in this product create a very creamy butter that is easy to apply and dries relatively quickly. Beautiful citrus scent that will wake you up in the morning no matter how early it is. Good for day to day moisturising but for those winter months or problem areas you may need something more concentrated.

Shopping Experience Comparison: L'Occitane vs Sakare

Today I am pitching Sakare (my new favourite beauty care brand) against L'Occitane (an old time favourite) in terms of shopping experience. I am taking into consideration speed and quality of service, layout of store and value for money. Check out my verdict:

Customer Service 

Sakare - As soon as you even walk past this store there are people outside welcoming you in and offering you demonstrations of the products. The staff are not simply trying to get you to spend a fortune in the store, they genuinely understand the customer and offer them products specifically. For example they know that as a beauty blogger, I am always looking to try the very top end range of anti-ageing products, but they realise that that isn't what everyone is looking for. All staff are highly trained on the ingredients and can offer expertise knowledge as to what will work best with your skin. I have never once walked into the shop and been ignored by the staff. They straight away welcome you and help you to find what you are looking for. Some people find this a bit overpowering but as a mystery shopper with years of experience I know that this is the benchmark for good customer service.

L'Occitane - While staff are not generally out in the street to engage customers, I have always been welcomed on entrance to L'Occitane. They pretty much operate with the same procedure as Sakare...asking how you are and how they can help. Staff are knowledgable about the products but sometimes if they don't have what I am looking for then they don't offer a similar product which is a bit frustrating.

Layout

Sakare - Window displays are always immaculate and representative of the brand...luxurious and opulent. Inside the products are displayed simply and in keeping with the style of the widow displays. There is a feel of 1940s cruise liner glamour that transports you to another world.

L'Occitane - As soon as you walk in you feel as if you are in a French beauty boutique of the finest handmade products. Countryside feel with a touch of luxury. Slight overload of products for the eye which I find very off-putting.

Value For Money

Sakare - No top end luxury brand with use of the latest research is going to be cheap. By taking a look at the website you could say that Sakare cosmetics are expensive, although the trick is to strike a deal with the staff as they are usually willing to do you a discount or special offer if you ask. Considering the quality of the products the prices are good value.

L'Occitane - French luxury and cheap will never be found in the same sentence together. If you decide you want a L'Occitane bathroom then it is going to cost you. Don't think of trying to strike a deal in this store as that just won't fly. Prices are not always readily displayed...'if you have to ask it's too expensive' comes to mind.

My Winner: Sakare - just shows that it is possible for new brands to break into the luxury beauty product market which is so often set in it's ways.